If you’ve never made cold process soap before, stop here. We highly recommend checking out our FREE four part SoapQueen.tv series on cold process soapmaking, especially the episode on lye safety. And if you’d rather do some reading, Bramble Berry carries a wide range of books on the topic, including Pure Soapmaking.

COLORANT PREP: Disperse 2 teaspoons of titanium dioxide into 2 tablespoons of a lightweight liquid oil such as sunflower or sweet almond. Disperse 1/2 teaspoon black oxide into 1/2 tablespoon of lightweight liquid oil. Then, disperse 1 teaspoon of brown oxide into 1 tablespoon of lightweight oil. Use a mini mixer to get rid of clumps.Optional: To ensure the titanium dioxide blends smoothly into the soap, we recommend micronizing it before dispersing it in oil. Use a coffee grinder to break up any clumps of color and prevent streaks of white from showing in the final soap. We like to use a coffee grinder that has a removable stainless steel mixing area for easy cleaning.

FRAGRANCE PREP: In a glass fragrance oil-safe container, measure out 1.3 ounces of Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil and set aside.

SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices. That means goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, other distractions, and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your soaping space. Always soap in a well-ventilated area.

ONE: Slowly and carefully add 4.8 ounces of lye to 9.9 ounces of distilled water. Gently stir until the lye has fully dissolved. Set it aside to cool. If you’d like a harder bar of soap that releases faster from the mold, you can add sodium lactate to the cooled lye water. Use 1 teaspoon of sodium lactate per pound of oils in the recipe. For this recipe, you’d add 2 teaspoons sodium lactate.

TWO: Melt and combine 5 ounces of babassu oil, 0.7 ounces of castor oil, 3.3 ounces of cocoa butter, 8.3 ounces of coconut oil, 1 ounce of mango butter, 3.3 ounces of oat oil, 6.6 ounces of olive oil, and 5 ounces of sunflower oil into a large mixing bowl. Once the lye water and the oils have cooled to 130 degrees F or below (and are ideally within 10 degrees of each other), add the lye water to the oils and stick blend the mixture to a thin trace.

THREE: Split off 200 mL of batter into one container and 300 mL of batter into another container. Add the following colorants to the three containers and whisk in.

Container A (200 mL): 1/2 teaspoon dispersed black oxide

Container B (300 mL): 1 teaspoon dispersed brown oxide

Container C (remaining batter): All dispersed titanium dioxide

FOUR: Add the fragrance oil proportionately to the black and brown soap. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix in the fragrance.

FIVE: Pour a small amount of the white soap into the mold – just enough to cover the bottom. Then, alternate pouring small amounts of the black, brown, and white soap into the mold at varying heights. That helps the soap drop to different areas of the mold rather than sitting on top and creating layers. Don’t worry about being too precise when you’re pouring.

SIX: Continue pouring the soap into the mold. Save a very small amount of each color for the top.

SEVEN: Insert the Hanger Swirl Tool into one side of the mold. Then, use loop-de-loop motions to swirl the soap. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Just keep moving the Hanger Swirl Tool in circular motions. Some loops should be big and some small. Once you’ve swirled the soap about 5-7 times, remove the Hanger Swirl Tool by bringing it up and out on one side of the mold.

EIGHT: Pour or plop (depending on your trace – ours was quite thick at this point) lines of the black, white, and brown soap down the length of the mold. Placing the white soap in the center will help create contrast.

NINE: Insert a dowel or chopstick to swirl the very top of the soap. We used an “S” curve pattern down the length of the mold. Be careful to not over-swirl the soap, or the colors will become muddled.

TEN: Place cinnamon sticks into one side of the soap at an angle. Place each stick where you’d like the center of the bar to be.

ELEVEN: Spritz the soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol to help prevent soda ash. Let the soap sit uncovered at room temperature for 2-3 days (depending if you used sodium lactate or not). We found that because this recipe doesn’t contain palm oil, it needed a little bit more time in the mold than usual. Once the mold pulls away from the soap without tearing, unmold it and cut into bars. Allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks and enjoy.

COLORANT PREP: Disperse 2 teaspoons of titanium dioxide into 2 tablespoons of a lightweight liquid oil such as sunflower or sweet almond. Disperse ½ teaspoon black oxide into ½ tablespoon of lightweight liquid oil. Then, disperse 1 teaspoon of brown oxide into 1 tablespoon of lightweight oil. Use a mini mixer to get rid of clumps. Optional: To ensure the titanium dioxide blends smoothly into the soap, we recommend micronizing it before dispersing it in oil. Use a coffee grinder to break up any clumps of color and prevent streaks of white from showing in the final soap. We like to use a coffee grinder that has a removable stainless steel mixing area for easy cleaning.

FRAGRANCE PREP: In a glass fragrance oil-safe container, measure out 1.3 ounces of Cinnamon Cocoa Fragrance Oil and set aside.

SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices. That means goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, other distractions, and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your soaping space. Always soap in a well-ventilated area.

Slowly and carefully add 4.8 ounces of lye to 9.9 ounces of distilled water. Gently stir until the lye has fully dissolved. Set it aside to cool. If you’d like a harder bar of soap that releases faster from the mold, you can add sodium lactate to the cooled lye water. Use 1 teaspoon of sodium lactate per pound of oils in the recipe. For this recipe, you’d add 2 teaspoons sodium lactate.

Melt and combine 5 ounces of babassu oil, 0.7 ounces of castor oil, 3.3 ounces of cocoa butter, 8.3 ounces of coconut oil, 1 ounce of mango butter, 3.3 ounces of oat oil, 6.6 ounces of olive oil, and 5 ounces of sunflower oil into a large mixing bowl. Once the lye water and the oils have cooled to 130 degrees F or below (and are ideally within 10 degrees of each other), add the lye water to the oils and stick blend the mixture to a thin trace.

Split off 200 mL of batter into one container and 300 mL of batter into another container. Add the following colorants to the three containers and whisk in.Container A (200 mL): ½ teaspoon dispersed black oxideContainer B (300 mL): 1 teaspoon dispersed brown oxideContainer C (remaining batter): All dispersed titanium dioxide

Add the fragrance oil proportionately to the black and brown soap. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix in the fragrance.

Pour a small amount of the white soap into the mold – just enough to cover the bottom. Then, alternate pouring small amounts of the black, brown, and white soap into the mold at varying heights. That helps the soap drop to different areas of the mold rather than sitting on top and creating layers. Don’t worry about being too precise when you’re pouring.

Continue pouring the soap into the mold. Save a very small amount of each color for the top.

Insert the Hanger Swirl Tool into one side of the mold. Then, use loop-de-loop motions to swirl the soap. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Just keep moving the Hanger Swirl Tool in circular motions. Some loops should be big and some small. Once you’ve swirled the soap about 5-7 times, remove the Hanger Swirl Tool by bringing it up and out on one side of the mold.

Pour or plop (depending on your trace – ours was quite thick at this point) lines of the black, white, and brown soap down the length of the mold. Placing the white soap in the center will help create contrast.

Insert a dowel or chopstick to swirl the very top of the soap. We used an “S” curve pattern down the length of the mold. Be careful to not over-swirl the soap, or the colors will become muddled

Place cinnamon sticks into one side of the soap at an angle. Place each stick where you’d like the center of the bar to be.

Spritz the soap with 99% isopropyl alcohol to help prevent soda ash. Let the soap sit uncovered at room temperature for 2-3 days (depending if you used sodium lactate or not). We found that because this recipe doesn’t contain palm oil, it needed a little bit more time in the mold than usual. Once the mold pulls away from the soap without tearing, unmold it and cut into bars. Allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks and enjoy.

As temperatures start to drop, your skin will need some extra TLC. We have new oils and extracts that will keep it hydrated all fall and winter long.

They’re part of the Hygge Collection, which includes comforting scents and giftable packaging. It’s inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (hoo-gah), which is the everyday pursuit of happiness, comfort, and connection. Learn more about the oils below.

Lingonberry Seed Oil
Lingonberries are native to forests in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. They’re a staple in Scandinavian cuisine. They’re quite tart, so they’re often mixed into oatmeal or made into jam.

The oil extracted from the seeds feels amazing. It has a silky and lightweight texture that leaves the skin moisturized but not greasy. It’s also packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. We love it in handmade soap, lotion, and balm.

Lingonberry seed oil has a light yellow color and an earthy scent. In the finished product, that scent won’t be as noticeable.

Oat oil is no exception. Once you try it in handmade soap, lotion, or scrub, you won’t be able to get enough of it. It has a lightweight and non-greasy consistency. It has more than 35% omega fatty acids, as well as high levels of antioxidants, ceramides, and vitamin E. Those nutrients keep the skin hydrated and smooth all day long.

This oil has an orange-yellow color and nutty scent. When used at 15% or less and with a strong fragrance, the scent won’t be as noticeable.

The shelf life is 1 year. The usage rates are:

Cold process soap: 5-15%

Lotions and creams: 1-15%

Balms: 1-10%

Turmeric Shea Butter
In India, turmeric has been used in food and medicine for thousands of years. In the U.S., it has become increasingly popular in the past few years. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant. You can add turmeric powder to DIY bath products for a natural color and mild exfoliation.

This product is a skin-loving blend of turmeric root extract, shea butter, and jojoba oil. It has a slightly softer consistency than regular shea butter, but it has similar moisturizing properties. We love the non-greasy feeling in DIY lotion and body butter.

Turmeric shea butter has a light yellow color and an earthy, slightly spicy scent. In finished products, the scent won’t be as noticeable.

It has a shelf life of 1 year. The usage rates are:

Cold process soap: 1-10%

Lotions and creams: 1-10%

Balms: up to 100%

Liquid Cashmere
We can’t wait for you to try this new product. It comes from the keratin fibers of cashmere wool through a process called hydrolysis, where water is used to break down the bonds of a substance. The result is a water-soluble liquid that’s perfect for DIY lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. Liquid cashmere adds a moisturizing and silky feeling, and it also helps prevent hair breakage and split ends.

The additive has a tan color and a distinct nutty odor that’s slightly sweet. When used at 5% or less and with a strong fragrance, the scent won’t be as noticeable.

The shelf life is 1 year. Use at 0.5-5% of the total weight in water-based products like lotion, shampoo, and conditioner.

Pumpkin Extract
You need this for all your fall projects. It’s made of pumpkin extract and fractionated coconut oil. That combination creates a lightweight and moisturizing feeling on the skin, and it also helps it easily mix into DIY soap, lotion, scrub, and bath bombs. You only need a little bit of pumpkin extract to add something special to your projects.

It’s clear and odorless and the shelf life is 1 year. Use up to 7% of the total weight in soap, lotion, conditioner, scrub, and bath bombs.

We’ll share tutorials that demonstrate all the ways you can get creative with the new products. Which one is inspiring you the most? Let us know using the tag #BrambleOn.

These Pumpkin Bubbling Bath Truffles will bring the feeling of fall into your tub.

Author: Bramble Berry

Recipe type: Bath Truffles

Serves: About 18 truffles

Ingredients

25 oz. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

7 oz. Citric Acid

4 oz. Cream of Tartar

15 oz. SLSA

1 tsp. Dark Red Brazilian Clay

4.5 oz. Cocoa Butter

6 oz. Shea Butter

0.5 oz. Pumpkin Extract

1 oz. Polysorbate 80

1 oz. Liquid Glycerin

0.4 oz. Pumpkin Spice Fragrance Oil

0.4 oz. Cashmere Fragrance Oil

Gold Sparkle Mica

Instructions

In a small heat-safe container, add 6 ounces of shea butter, 4.5 ounces of cocoa butter, 0.5 ounces of pumpkin extract, 1 ounce of glycerin, and 1 ounce of polysorbate 80. Place the container in the microwave and melt the butters using 30-60 bursts. The cocoa butter takes a little while to melt. Be careful when removing it from the microwave, as it may be very hot.

Place a fine mesh sifter over a large container. Add 25 ounces of baking soda, 7 ounces of citric acid, and 4 ounces of cream of tartar. Push the ingredients through the sifter to get rid of chunks. Add dark red Brazilian clay. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients together.

Very carefully, add 15 ounces of SLSA to the large container (do not put it through the sifter). Add the SLSA very last. SLSA is extremely fine and powdery, and it can become airborne very easily. You may want to wear a mask during this step to avoid breathing in any SLSA. While it isn’t dangerous, it is irritating and can make you cough if you breathe it in. Once all the ingredients have been added, slowly mix together the dry ingredients using a whisk.

Add about ⅓ of the melted butter mixture. The hotter the liquid ingredients are when added, the softer the final “dough” will be. Adding the liquid when it’s hot reduces the need to microwave it later. Use your hands to incorporate the liquid and powder ingredients together. If you prefer, you could also use a stand or hand mixer for this step. Make sure to incorporate any powders that tend to hang out at the bottom of the bowl.

Continue adding the liquid ingredients to the dry and mix together until fully incorporated. The final texture will be very similar to bread dough – soft, workable, and slightly sticky. The texture of the mixture depends on the temperature of the butters. The warmer the dough, the softer it will be.

We found a dough temperature of about 85-100°F is a great moldable texture. If your dough is cooler than that, place the entire mixture into the microwave for 10-20 seconds to warm it.

Use the ice cream scoop to scoop the mixture onto freezer paper. Wax paper or parchment paper will also work. Continue to create the scoops until all the mixture is gone.

Sprinkle with top of each truffle with Gold Sparkle Mica. If you like a heavier application of sparkle, use the Powder Duster. Use the Powder Sprayer for a lighter dusting.

Allow the truffles to harden and dry for about 3 days. If you live in a very humid area, it may take longer. The truffles will always be a little bit delicate, even when they have hardened.

To use, fill the tub with hot water. Once it's about ¾ full, break up the truffle directly under the faucet to activate the bubbles. Enjoy.

If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the term hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). It’s underneath photos of wool socks, hot chocolate, and flickering candles.

Simply put, it’s the everyday pursuit of happiness, comfort, and connection. It’s the inspiration for our Hygge Collection, which includes warm scents, moisturizing oils, and packaging that’s perfect for holiday gifts. Learn more about hygge below.

What is it
There are many components to hygge, including pursuing happiness and contentment every day. That can be tricky to do, especially because most people have busy schedules and stressors like work and school. Try to consciously take a break to do something that makes you feel at ease. That can be as simple as ordering an indulgent dessert at your favorite restaurant or cooking dinner with your family.

Connecting with people is an essential part of hygge. There’s nothing quite like relaxing while you’re surrounded by people who love you. To really enjoy it, put your phone down, turn the TV off, and be fully present in the moment.

We can’t forget about comfort. Creating a cozy and safe environment is a great way to unwind. Again, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Curl up with your favorite blanket, sip coffee with a friend, or light your favorite candle.

History
The term comes from a Norwegian word that means well-being. Hygge first appeared in Danish writing in the 19th century, and it’s been an essential part of their culture ever since. Danes try to appreciate the small things, make their well-being a priority, and do the best with what they have.

It seems to be working – Denmark is consistently one of the happiest countries in the world. They recently lost the top spot, but still cracked the top three.

How to apply the concept
There are so many ways to incorporate hygge into your life. Whenever you do something that makes you feel content or cozy, stop and focus on that moment. Then, try to work it into your daily routine.

We think creating is a great way to embrace the concept. It’s so enjoyable and rewarding to make soap, lotion, bath bombs, and more. Not to mention every time you use your products, you’ll be experiencing hygge again. Make sure to give bars to your friends and family so they can experience it as well. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing hygge-inspired recipes here that are perfect for gifting.

Kits are another great way to experience hygge. Ours come with supplies and step-by-step instructions so you can focus on the fun part. Invite a friend over, drink some coffee or spiced wine, and get creative. It’s the perfect night in.

We have new items just in time for your fall and winter projects. The Hygge Collection includes comforting scents, moisturizing oils, and packaging that’s perfect for holiday gifts.

The collection is inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (hoo-gah), which is the everyday pursuit of happiness, comfort, and connection. For us, hygge is making products to treat ourselves and those around us. That’s why we chose these new items.

Lingonberry Spice Fragrance Oil
This fragrance is the perfect mix of fruit and spice. You’ll love the comforting notes of apple, cinnamon, and mountain air.

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